Actually Paterno was only one of many major Division I coaches seeking Givens' services.

"I guess in the end it was Penn State's football tradition and the school itself that convinced me to go there," Givens said after Tuesday's practice for Thursday night's annual VHSCA all-star football game here.

Givens, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound end, was voted the Group A defensive Player of the Year by both the coaches and the media last season.

But as a member of an East team that features the talent of Tabb's Terry Kirby, Hampton's Eric Hunter and James Wilson and Craddock's Marion Brunson, Givens feels he still has a little something left to prove.

"I feel I've already proven myself, but a lot of people here haven't seen me play before, so I'd like to get in some good licks and play well," said Givens.

"This game will be some icing on the cake and means as much if not more than a state championship game because of all the talented players here. They are the best."

When he began playing football in the 7th grade, Givens had little idea the game would lead to a scholarship to any place, much less Penn State.

"I really hadn't played any sports up until that time," Givens said. "There really wasn't a particular turning point in my career, I just got steadily better over the years with hard work.

"By the time I was a junior, I realized I had a chance to play major college football."

At Penn State, Givens is expected to play outside linebacker. Following such Nittany Lion linebacking greats as Jack Ham, Matt Millen and Shane Conlan is both appealing and scary for Givens.

"I'm going to have to adjust to that position and get physically stronger, but it's nice to think about playing for a school that's produced so many good linebackers," he said.

College recruiters were most impressed with Givens' quickness and feel he is capable of improving his strength to meet the demands of the linebacker position.

"I've been working some on my own with weights this summer and look forward to reporting to Penn State (Aug. 8)," Givens said.

But first comes Thursday night's chance to prove himself against the state's best.

"This guys are all tough," said Givens. "It's going to be something special."

NOTES - Tuesday's temperatures in the high 90s cut both the football and baseball practices short. . .

The East roster has eight Peninsula District players and two from the York River District. "It's really a great bunch of kids from the Peninsula," said Hampton High Coach Mike Smith, the all-star game's coordinator.